Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the rear of the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands while blocking the front wheels to prevent rolling. Remove the wheels and the stabilizer bar. Take off the brake drums or calipers and discs from the hubs, unplugging the ABS electrical connectors if equipped. For trailing arms, remove the trailing arm-to-knuckle nut and bolt, followed by the trailing arm-to-chassis nut and bolt using two wrenches, then detach the trailing arm and lower it from the vehicle. Installation is the reverse of removal, ensuring not to tighten the nuts and bolts until the vehicle weight is lowered onto the suspension. For 1996 and earlier models, compress and detach the auxiliary spring if equipped, then remove the nuts and bolts connecting the rods to the knuckle and the rod inner bolts at the crossmember. Mark the position of the toe adjusting cam for 1988 and 1989 models before removing it, pushing the bolt through to allow rod removal, and note that some models may require lowering the fuel tank for access. Installation follows the reverse order, applying thread locking compound to all bolts and checking the rear toe after installation. For 1997 and later models, lower the rear suspension cross member using a transmission jack for access to the inner arm bolts/nuts, remove the bolts securing the cross member to the body, and then lower the jack to remove the lateral rod inner bolts/nuts. Remove the nuts and bolts connecting the rods to the knuckle, and during installation, do not tighten the outer lateral rod bolts until the vehicle weight is lowered onto the suspension. For the knuckle, mark the strut-to-knuckle relationship, remove the rear brake drum or caliper and disc, and detach the trailing arm, lateral link rods, and any auxiliary damper or stabilizer bar from the knuckle. Remove the strut-to-knuckle nuts and knock the bolts out, then separate the knuckle from the strut and lower it from the vehicle. To install the knuckle, slide it into the strut flange, install the stabilizer bar bracket and auxiliary damper if equipped, apply thread locking compound to the threads, and install the nuts finger tight. Connect the lateral link rods and trailing arm to the knuckle, align the previously made marks, and tighten the strut-to-knuckle bolts to the specified torque, completing the installation in reverse order.
